What is Dental Plaque?

Posted December 15, 2015.

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Dental plaque is the sticky, tooth-colored film that clings to the surfaces of your teeth and makes them feel a bit fuzzy. You can generally see the plaque if you scrape the surfaces of your teeth with your fingernail. The slimy, white stuff on your finger is called plaque, and it is a dangerous substance that can destroy your smile.

What causes plaque?Plaque is created when the carbohydrates in your food are left on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on these foods and they produce oral acids and plaque. Over time, the acids will destroy your tooth enamel and the plaque will move to the roots of your teeth and the pockets of the gums. So, plaque can do two things: create tooth decay and gum disease. If you don’t remove the plaque each day, your smile will be destroyed.

How can I prevent plaque buildup?There are many things you can do to prevent plaque buildup, including:

Now, even though these things will help you each day, they won’t completely remove the plaque from your smile. The only treatment that will do so is a professional dental cleaning. So, make sure you keep up with your cleanings by visiting your dentist every six months.

If you have any questions about plaque or if you would like to know more, call us here at Awesome Smiles Dental Center today at 571-261-2600 and talk our wonderful dental team. I also encourages you to schedule an appointment if you need a dental cleaning and exam. Our team will be happy to schedule you an appointment at your earliest convenience!